The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-26
A MILLIONAIRE's SECRET.

| Tt is said when A. r. Stewart, of New
York, was a poor and obscure man, he
once advertised for an errand boy, and
from the scores of applicants made his
choice upon the spot, without doubt or
hesitation. And it is further said the
choice was fortunate; that as the boy
| grew up he was advanced step after etep,
until he became partner, lifelong friend
of Mr.. Stewart, and millionaire.
Once he asked Mr.. Stewart why he Sc
lected him.
Because you left the doors as you
found them," was the instant answer.
The man had thought of many reasons
never of the right one.
Now although it would not do to prom
Use that every girl and boy, who follows
the errand boys example will become a
millionaire, it is perfectly safe to say that
they will achieve success in whatever
they undertake; for see what is implied
in the comparatively insignificant act Of
leaving door as you find it:
Observation, thoughtfulness, unsel6sh-
ness, energy and good breeding.
Notice Polly, and do not forget Jack,
the next time you rush into the house.
leaving the street door ajar, and that OF
the sitting-room wide open SO the cold
air makes yonr mother SILVER, and the
baby cough, how instantly you will say
when demonstrated with, "Ohl didn't
see they were shut"
And as no family could live together
month unless somebody made martyr
of himself or herself for the good of the
Others see what grandmother says: 20
Jackl or o Pollyl don't you see James or
Dolly are always putting down their
work to look after the doors you neglect"
how quick you will reply: "Why, are
they2 I didn't know it. Didn't see, didn't
know"
If you mean to be millionaire you
must see, must know.
And as for "thoughtfulness," butter
fly could not be SO Needless as to fail to
understand if people are sewing, reading,
writing, or entertaining visitors, they will
arrange the room as comfortably as posi-
BILE for themselves. How delightful it must
be for your mother when she has careful
ly shut every door, placed old Madame
Greene who has very lame shoulder and
very severe ideas as to the behavior of
young folk, out of even a suspicion of
draught, to have you dash in like whirl-
wind, set every loose thing flying, leave
every entrance wide open, and shout as
you tear up the stairs: ooh! I didn't
think"
All, but you will have to think before
you find the purse of Fortunatus, can
tell you.
Perhaps "unselfshness" is conspicuous
by its absence from the characters of
most millionaires; but it is prominent in
those who make the truest successes of
life, and self-seeking, self-loving boy or
girl, never will develop into an Abraham
Lincoln or a Dorothea Dix. And both
SELF seeking and self-loving are you Jack
and Polly, when you fly into the careful
ly darkened dining-room for drink of
water, leaving great cracks in the door
where the flies follow, for you not only
undo all your mothers care and work
but you render the whole family uncom-
Portable. And when by alternate bangs
and slams, you disturb the cooks elabo-
rate arrangements of cellar and base
ment entrances, you bring not only dis.
comfort, but even suffering into the
house; and what does it matter after the
cook has cleft" that you never meant
anything?
The "energy" lies in the conquest of
self which leaving doors as you find them
implies. Perhaps not only Polly and
Jack, but many older people, honestly
dislike all arrangements OF doors except
ing those they make themselves; but that
has nothing to do with the question. The
persons before you in room have the
right of possession and your duty is to
see they enjoy it.
The good breeding" shows itself in do
ing as you would be done by in this NIT
ter, doing it instantly, pleasantly, grace
fully. Doing it, not because you hope to
be millionaire, or gain praise and not
| ice, but because you are observing,
thoughtful, unselfish and of breeding
Sir Philip Sidney might equal but never
excel.-Annie Sanger DOaUns IN Wide